The first thing that you need to know is that BRIDGING THE GAP doesn't compare with ELEPHUNK. The opening track on BRIDGING THE GAP oozes with groove, and the whole album is generally funky. But the funk doesn't necessarily make this album good. The hip hop element is generally quite weak, ... Read review
phenomenon on their debut long-player Behind The Front--it's hardly surprising they've called in the favour, getting her to guest on the hip-pop "Request Line" that closes the BEP's second coming, Bridging The Gap. An appropriate artist and title for an album that continues the group's 'hip-hop for the masses' ethic, supplying a steady flow of block party tunes ("Weekend", "Magic"), hard rap cuts ("It's On") and endless chart possibilities (Macy's "Request Line" and the Wyclef-featuring "Rap Song"). With no gang or sociological agendas to their lyrical content, the BEPs aim only to unite musical communities, serving up crowd pleasers designed to break down the barriers between true hip-hop and the charts: this is radio-friendly rap that doesn't veer too far over the slickness line (à la Puffy). And it works. The mixing of commercial tunes with the hardcore integrity of tracks like "On My Own" (feat. Les Nubian and Mos Def) and "Cali to New York" (feat. De La Soul) is seamless. It matters not the style, it's the quality that counts--and on that front, Bridging The Gaps is supremely blessed. --Dan Gennoe
phenomenon on their debut long-playerBehind The Front--it's hardly surprising they've called in the favour, getting her to guest on the hip-pop "Request Line" that closes the BEP's second coming,Bridging The Gap. An appropriate artist and title for an album that continues the group's 'hip-hop for the masses' ethic, supplying a steady flow of block party tunes ("Weekend", "Magic"), hard rap cuts ("It's On") and endless chart possibilities (Macy's "Request Line" and the Wyclef-featuring "Rap Song"). With no gang or sociological agendas to their lyrical content, the BEPs aim only to unite musical communities, serving up crowd pleasers designed to break down the barriers between true hip-hop and the charts: this is radio-friendly rap that doesn't veer too far over the slickness line (à la Puffy). And it works. The mixing of commercial tunes with the hardcore integrity of tracks like "On My Own" (feat. Les Nubian and Mos Def) and "Cali to New York" (feat. De La Soul) is seamless. It matters not the style, it's the quality that counts--and on that front,Bridging The Gapsis supremely blessed.--Dan Gennoe
phenomenon on their debut long-playerBehind The Front--it's hardly surprising they've called in the favour, getting her to guest on the hip-pop "Request Line" that closes the BEP's second coming,Bridging The Gap. An appropriate artist and title for an album that continues the group's 'hip-hop for the masses' ethic, supplying a steady flow of block party tunes ("Weekend", "Magic"), hard rap cuts ("It's On") and endless chart possibilities (Macy's "Request Line" and the Wyclef-featuring "Rap Song"). With no gang or sociological agendas to their lyrical content, the BEPs aim only to unite musical communities, serving up crowd pleasers designed to break down the barriers between true hip-hop and the charts: this is radio-friendly rap that doesn't veer too far over the slickness line (à la Puffy). And it works. The mixing of commercial tunes with the hardcore integrity of tracks like "On My Own" (feat. Les Nubian and Mos Def) and "Cali to New York" (feat. De La Soul) is seamless. It matters not the style, it's the quality that counts--and on that front,Bridging The Gapsis supremely blessed.--Dan Gennoe
A review by UniqueRobbo on Bridging The Gap (UK Version) - Black Eyed Peas February 13th, 2006
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks
Mixed
Value for Money
Satisfactory
Advantages:
Funky rhythms and soothing rhymes
Disadvantages:
Lacking in quality and rather bland
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
The first thing that you need to know is that BRIDGING THE GAP doesn't compare with ELEPHUNK. The opening track on BRIDGING THE GAP oozes with groove, and the whole album is generally funky. But the funk doesn't necessarily make this album good. The hip hop element is generally quite weak, and the songs are shallow and without any real meaning or passion. The backing vocals can be aggravating and repetitive, and many of the melodies are hastily put together and poorly thought out.
This record is by no means awful. It has a chilled out feel to it, giving it quite a soothing effect. The thing it lacks is tension and grit which gives an album that 'on-the-edge' kind of feel. From the first track on BRIDGING THE GAP the listener doesn't real feel like it's going anywhere.
All in all, this is worth a buy if you have enough money to spare. It will give you a healthy alternative to other more usual forms of hip hop (because this album is indeed original) and acts as quite a good chill-out album. Don't expect any lightning quick rapping or groundbreaking song writing here though, and be prepared to be slightly disappointed if you have already bought ELEPHUNK.
Album Notes: Black Eyed Peas: Will.i.am (vocals, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, Hammond B-3 organ, Moog synthezizer, programming); Apl.de.ap (programming); Taboo. Additional personnel includes: Wyclef Jean (vocals, guitar); De La Soul, Mos Def, Macy Gray, Les Nubians, Chali 2Na, Esthero, Kim Hill (vocals); Michaelangelo Fratantuno (guitar); Kevin Torfeh, Susanna Giordano, Roberto Cani, Susan Chatman (strings); Pritz Board (trumpet, Hammond B-3 organ, Moog synthesizer); Jose Espinoza, Eulises Bella, Asoru Sierra (horns); Jerry Duplessis, Miles Taket (bass); DJ Motive (cuts). Producers includes: Will Adams, DJ Premier, Wyclef Jean, Rhett Lawrence, Apl.de.ap. Engineers include: Eddie Sancho, Dexter Thibeau, Dejuana Richardson. Black Eyed Peas represent the kind of progressive hip-hop approach associated with bands such as A Tribe Called Quest or the Roots. While their straight-up rapping skills are indisputable, it's the group's quirky arrangements, production style, and preference for live tracks instead of pre-programmed ones that sets them apart from the pack. Throughout BRIDGING THE GAP, the trio makes it clear that they're on a mission to take hip-hop to a smarter, more sophisticated place. This is accomplished almost as much by what they don't do as by what they do. They spend a lot of time talking about unification and other high-minded ideals, and distancing themselves from any notions of violence. They also take care to collaborate with artists they consider like-minded, including De La Soul, Wyclef, and Macy Gray. BRIDGING THE GAP's mix of funk, rap, pop, and soul is a strong brew when combined with the Black Eyed Peas' often-heady lyrical sentiments.
Album Reviews: Rolling Stone (10/12/00, p.90) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...A more organic-feeling representation of their considerable skills and vision. Uncluttered but muscular production, deft samples and smart rhymes ensure repeated listenings..." Q (11/00, p.101) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Right-on rapping....their Hispanic-flavored style constantly edges between sounding cool and simply withdrawn..." Mixmag (9/00, p.169) - 3 out of 5 - "...Original, funked-up music....BRIDGING THE GAPS is another little gem..." The Source (12/00, pp.240-2) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...BEP fine-tune their aesthetic. They integrate coffee-shop soul with disco-ball grooves, using spacey electronics and soft analog samples to interlace their aural space. the sound is familair and still refreshingly original..."
Titles on disc 1
1.: BEP Empire
2.: Weekend - Black Eyed Peas & Esthero
3.: Get Original - Black Eyed Peas & Chali 2Na
4.: Hot - Black Eyed Peas & Chali 2Na
5.: Cali To New York - Black Eyed Peas & De La Soul
6.: Magic
7.: Little Little
8.: Own My Own - Black Eyed Peas & Les Nubian/Mos Def
9.: Release
10.: Bridging The Gap
11.: Go Go
12.: Rap Song - Black Eyed Peas & Wyclef
13.: It's On
14.: Tell Your Mama Come
15.: Request Line - Black Eyed Peas & Macy Gray
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Listed on Ciao since : 13/02/2006
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